Ely Buendia reveals meaning behind hit song 'Spoliarium'
When you think of OPM bands, one of the top names that come to mind is the rock band Eraserheads. And when you think of Eraserheads, you think of their many hit songs, including “Alapaap,” “With a Smile,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” and so much more.
One of their songs, “Spoliarium,” has been the talk of the town for ages as it has often been linked to the rape case of former “Softdrink” actress Pepsi Paloma in the '80s.
According to the myth, the song's lyrics allude to the rape case filed against Eat Bulaga hosts Vic Sotto, a.k.a. “Enteng,” Joey de Leon, and Richie D'Horsie in 1982, and the apartment in which the crime took place.
However, this theory was debunked by frontman Ely Buendia who clarified that there's no such connection as people believed.
Ely shared with Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona, “'Spoliarium' is one of those cases where, really, the myth has sort of taken over the facts, and I kinda like it. I kind of like the myth.
“Because the actual meaning of the song is really mundane. It's all about getting pissed drunk.”
The legendary OPM singer told the “Wake Up with Jim and Saab” hosts that the “gintong alak” found in the lyrics is actually a literal alcoholic drink called Goldschlager.
Furthermore, the characters “Enteng and Joey” are the band's road managers back then and not the Eat Bulaga! television hosts.
“Kaya nung nabasa ko 'yung urban legend, sabi ko, 'Wow! Okay 'to ah!'” Ely said.
“There really is, sometimes, 'yung mga coincidence like that. You have no power over that. It just happens.”
The singer added, “But you know, whatever people wanna think about that song, it's fine. That's the beauty of it.
“You know, I'm really proud of it when I sing it live all the time.”
After the reveal, Ely asked the two hosts if they were disappointed to hear the backstory of the song, to which Saab Magalona replied, “Not at all, I'm just happy we got this exclusive.”
The OPM legend then said, “Pero pustahan tayo, kahit sinabi ko na 'yan, the myth will still go on.”
“Spoliarium,” which borrows the classic Juan Luna masterpiece's name, is Eraserheads' 1997 hit from their “Sticker Happy” album.
Watch Ely Buendia's explanation below: